Ant Farm Daniel Lim


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1) What is absolutism?
Absolutism is the governing system that was utilized by the Europe from the 15th century to the 18th century. It was when the government had total power over the people.

2) Explain the justification for absolutism referred to as the 'divine right of kings'.
When something is referred to as the "divine right of kings", it means that the monarch has absolute power that was given by the God. Also, when a monarch was confronted by another person, it was considered also challenging God as well.

3) List the causes of the rise of Absolutism in Europe.
+they needed a stronger ruler
+reducing the chaos through strong monarchy

4) In your opinion, is absolutism a good way to rule? Can you think of a situation where it might be a positive thing?
I believe that absolutism is one of the most efficient ways of running a government. The reason is because if one person has all the "divine rights of kings", that means that they are able to make decisions quickly and clearly. However, on the other hand, if the government is corrupt, it will be one of the worst methods of governing. The reason is because the government won't seek in improving the people's lives but instead look for more power.

Notes:

1) Read 'The Enlightenment Spreads' pgs 202-205. Take detailed notes using CORNELL. While many monarchs were resistant to this change in thinking, some embraced it and wanted to be known as 'enlightened'. As such they have been referred to as 'Enlightened despots.' Make sure you really look at the 3 examples on pages 204-205 (Frederick the Great, Joseph II, and Catherine the Great)

Who and Where:Fredrick the Great of Prussia
When: 1740~1786
What: Reformed justice system, improve education, gave freedom of religion and expression

Who and Where: Joseph II of Austria
When: 1780~1790
What: allowing religious freedom, allowed freedom of press

Who and Where: Catherine the Great of Russia
When 1762~1796
What: had religious toleration, expansion of the Russian territory in regions today called Poland, forming commission to review laws.

2) How did they reflect the new Enlightenment ideals?
These three leaders guaranteed the rights of everybody including the lower classes, nobles, and the middle class people. They also introduced religious tolerance, freedom of press and speech, and abolish serfdom. These kinds of reforms were liked by the philosophes and gained a lot of support. Finally, they were able to succeed in making a major step in art and music (which they focused a lot during that period). They also brought fresh ideas that were to help later on. By these, they reflect the new Enlightenment ideals in a good way.
2)What are some of the ways that western culture changed in response to Enlightenment ideas? Be sure to mention the baroque, neoclassical, and classical styles.

The western culture changed in response to Enlightenment ideas through people like Montesquieu and Beccaria. What their main goals were to have equality among every men (including the noble, middle class, and the lower class). Also their art changed from the baroque, neoclassical, and classical styles gradually. Their art became improved as time passed because they brought new life to the picture, beautiful, and wasn't very complicated. Before this period, the western culture weren't very focused in music and arts as they had slow time progressing. However, when the baroque period came, music and arts drastically improved.

3) Think about People TODAY who you would considered to be ENLIGHTENED thinkers. Research what they have done - justify your choice in a paragraph.

I think Steve Jobs should be considered as the Enlightened thinkers of the modern era. Steve Jobs innovated new ideas and helped create another software program called the "Macintosh". He improved science and technology through his products like Mac, iPod, iPad, and etc. He also brought the new generation of technologies by having his own creativity, the ability to apply his ideas, and through the desire to do so. Now he will help the other computer softwares improve because they will probably follow his path in order to become successful.